Fantasy Tips - Ireland vs Afghanistan on August 27

After a humiliating loss in the three T20I series against the visitors Afghanistan, the Irishmen will now challenge the visitors in the 50 over format 3 match series starting from today. With a change of venue, Ireland would hope for a change in fortunes as well after their dismal show in the recently concluded T20I series where they were tamed 2-0 with the last match being called off due to excessive rain. Talking about the team compositions, there have been few changes on either side with the 50 overs specialists making it to the set-up. Afghanistan dominated Ireland in the shortest format and they will be going into this opening game of the ODI series riding high on confidence. Ireland have plenty of issues to resolve, especially their batting against the Afghan spinners who are likely to make life difficult for them once again. Also, while the hosts have been very inconsistent in this format, the visitors have been playing better and are coming on the back of four consecutive wins. Afghanistan have clearly looked the better side on this tour and we expect them to draw first blood in this series.

Best economical pick – Pace bowler Wafadar gets his maiden call-up to the side and is set to add an interesting dynamic to his side's pace attack. Rashid and Mujeeb are expected to continue Ireland's trial by spin, this time across longer spells.

Top captains & vice captains –Paul Stirling got off to good starts in both the T20 games, but could not kick on to turn them into big knocks. The opening batsman will want to set that right on Monday. His contribution at the top of the order will set the tone for Ireland's batting performance, and if he brings his red-hot form from his county stint with Middlesex into this encounter, his team will be happy. Rashid Khan is second on the ICC ODI Rankings for bowlers. He has taken seven wickets in two games so far on the tour. The Irishmen are comparatively weaker against spin, which will make his role important.

Smart pick – Mohammad Nabi has scored the most runs and has taken the most wickets for Afghanistan in the 50-overs format. The allrounder did not have a great T20I series but he is expected to make a bigger impact in the longer version of the game.

Cautious Pick – Whole Ireland batting line up failed in the 2 T20I matches against Afghanistan, but the middle order batsman Andy Balbirniewas very poor in those matches. Balbirnie got out cheaply in the first T20I. Then scored a golden duck in the second T20I. So be careful before picking him in your fantasy team.